Subgingival Debridement
The removal of plaque, calculus, and contaminated cementum from root surfaces located below the gingival margin, typically performed non-surgically.
Full Definition
Subgingival debridement refers to the mechanical cleaning of root surfaces within the periodontal pocket, aimed at disrupting and removing the biofilm and calculus deposits that perpetuate inflammation. It encompasses both hand instrumentation with curettes and powered instrumentation with ultrasonic scalers. While 'scaling and root planing' is the traditional and more specific term, 'subgingival debridement' has gained favor in contemporary literature as it reflects a more biologically conservative approach that avoids excessive cementum removal. Editors must not treat these as fully synonymous, as 'root planing' implies deliberate smoothing of the root surface, which is not universally advocated. The term 'root surface debridement' is also widely used as an equivalent.
Usage
Usage note: Editors should flag inconsistent use of 'subgingival debridement' and 'scaling and root planing' within a single document and query the author on intended meaning, as the degree of root surface instrumentation implied differs.
In Context
- "Subgingival debridement was completed in two visits, treating the maxillary and mandibular arches separately." — Periodontal treatment record
- "The authors argue that subgingival debridement is preferable to root planing in order to preserve residual cementum." — Review article